GPS Brand and Type Question

Bobby C · 09-08-2008, 07:03 PM

We have used MS Streets and Trips with GPS for years. It works ok other than the occassional turn left to exit an interstate (without exiting first). The real problem is portability. When we ordered the new MH earlier this year, I ordered it with the optional Garmin in-dash GPS. What a huge difference in usability, reliability, accuracy and it hasn't had me turn left to exit an interstate yet. We like it so much, would like to stop using the laptop GPS while out exploring in the toad.

I have heard about the Tom Tom and have only used the Garmin in the MH. What type, brand, model number or features do you all like?

Bobby C · 09-08-2008, 07:03 PM

We have used MS Streets and Trips with GPS for years. It works ok other than the occassional turn left to exit an interstate (without exiting first). The real problem is portability. When we ordered the new MH earlier this year, I ordered it with the optional Garmin in-dash GPS. What a huge difference in usability, reliability, accuracy and it hasn't had me turn left to exit an interstate yet. We like it so much, would like to stop using the laptop GPS while out exploring in the toad.

I have heard about the Tom Tom and have only used the Garmin in the MH. What type, brand, model number or features do you all like?

jfb · 09-08-2008, 07:23 PM

We use GPS on our Verizon cell phone. She can be annowing, but, most of the time, accurate and helpful...

Gregg · 09-09-2008, 03:20 AM

Bobby,
I have used or owned, Magellan, DeLorme, Pioneer, Pharos, Navigon (Radio Shack)...
By far the Garmin is superior, head & shoulders above the rest, not perfect but the difference is night & day.
I now own 3 Garmins and have been very satisfied.

PaulC · 09-09-2008, 03:23 AM

I have a TomTom 720 and have been very satisifed with it.
Paul

dmason · 09-09-2008, 03:31 AM

We have three GPS's, two Garmin and one factory installed in the Mrs' Toyota. By far the two Garmins are superior. Use one in my Chev and one in the MH. The Garmin 7220 has a big screen and can be seen by both driver and shotgun. Sometimes we bring smaller one inside MH to look for Walmarts, restaurants, etc if we don't want to disturb the 7220 from its duties. Great products!!!

Captain Bud · 09-09-2008, 03:41 AM

I use a MIO 300 from Radio shack, very happy with the results...

Bob (WA0MQE) · 09-09-2008, 04:08 AM

We have a Lowrance IWAY600 for our motorhome and my wife has a Garmin NUVI350 she uses for her car. I like the Lowrance okay and it has a couple of features which are nice, a large 6.5" screen, and much more detail regarding rivers, the coastal water ways etc. then Garmin's. Not that this is a necessary requirement but it's kinda neat knowing what creek, river, etc. your driving next to or crossing over. Garmin might have some of the major waterways identified, but the IWAY600 has every one that we've seen, no matter how large or small.

Other then that, I'm not too crazy about the Lowrance. One thing is you can find Garmin and Garmin accessories just about everywhere. Lowrance on the other hand makes it a bit more difficult to find accessories, map updates, etc. For this reason if and when my Lowrance fails, I'll definitely switch to Garmin. Another thing that ticked me off was I paid $650 for the IWAY600 and less then 5 months later this model went on sale for $399. Likely because they weren't selling that many.

Bushman512003 · 09-09-2008, 05:05 AM

Remember Garmin is the supplyer of mapping to the other makers and was the first to sell GPS so with that said I have and will stick to them if You can plot a address they will get You there never failed Me yet and I use mine all the time...Bushman...So does the Mrs.

Bill Adams · 09-09-2008, 06:37 AM

I would suggest that you stay with a Garmin product. Every year or so their will be new software available for the unit and this software can be loaded onto up to 2 registered units. Instead of having to buy 2 separate updates for 2 different units you could buy 1 update and install it on 2.

Bobby C · 09-09-2008, 05:45 PM

Thanks everyone! I really like the Garmin that is in the MH, but Tom Tom does a good job on marketing. I googled Garmin GPS and found they have one heck of a lot of models. I'll read through the specs and see what I come up with.

Thanks again!

Bruce H · 09-11-2008, 12:59 PM

I understand the Garmin 7200 does not list the street names on the maps. Is there different software so that the street names will appear? This seems like an important feature, Parked or stopped in a strange town, would be nice to know what street you were on. Maybe I am missing something. Let me know,
Thank you, Bruce

Bill Adams · 09-11-2008, 04:38 PM

If you are in the routing program the Garmin will tell/show you what street you are on and when you next need to make a turn.
If you just want to have information on the screen about what street you are on and what streets are upcoming you can customize the menu screen to have these details available when not following a route.